Toronto Raptors Sign 13-Year Veteran Free Agent

With the loss of one solid undrafted veteran locker room presence in Fred VanVleet, the Toronto Raptors have on Monday brought in another, signing a 13-year veteran who exudes calm and confidence, in forward Garrett Temple.

Think you're looking at more of a locker room leadership role, conduit between coaches and players role than a playing role. Very solid, well-regarded vet https://t.co/LQwvfheXiu

— Doug Smith: Raptors (@SmithRaps) July 31, 2023

It's a one-year, $3.2M deal for the veteran of 11 previous teams in the NBA. Although he won't show up much on the stat sheet, Temple is a leader and a positive voice to have around at the end of the bench. As noted by Raptors beat writer Doug Smith, Temple thrives on a leadership role, and is a highly-regarded veteran. 

If you're thinking that sounds a lot like current Raptor Thad Young, you'd be correct, except that Young and his $8M salary seems to be a prime piece that Masai Ujiri will use a salary-filler in any potential trade. 

Temple, the 6'5" wing, is 37, and is coming off a deal with the New Orleans Pelicans, who waived him earlier this offseason. He's also played for the Houston Rockets, Sacramento Kings, San Antonio Spurs, Milwaukee Bucks, Charlotte Bobcats, Washington Wizards, Memphis Grizzlies, Los Angeles Clippers, Brooklyn Nets and Chicago Bulls. In 716 career games, Temple has averaged 6.2 points and 2.3 rebounds per game while shooting 34.5% from three-point range.

Photo: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports